NAM supports FABTECH International and AWS Welding Show

Aug. 2, 2007

The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) (www.nam.org), has joined as Industry Partner with the FABTECH International and American Welding Society (AWS) Welding Show (www.fmafabtech.com) that will be held at McCormick Place in Chicago November 11-14, 2007.

The show is North America’s largest event dedicated to showcasing a full spectrum of metal forming and fabricating, tube and pipe and welding equipment and technology. It is sponsored by AWS, the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International (FMA) (www.fmanet.org), and the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) (www.sme.org). The show will occupy more than 450,000 square feet. Approximately 900 exhibitors and 25,000 attendees are expected to participate.

“The NAM recognizes the FABTECH International and AWS Welding Show as a growing event that serves a wide spectrum of manufacturing in North America,” said John Engler, NAM president and CEO. “We believe NAM members will greatly benefit from this alliance in 2007 and beyond.” Future shows will be held in Las Vegas in 2008, Chicago in 2009 and Atlanta in 2010.

“The NAM is an excellent organization and a tremendous advocate for U.S. manufacturing,” said Jerry Shankel, FMA president and CEO. “We are thrilled to welcome the NAM as Industry Partner to the FABTECH International and AWS Welding Show, and look forward to a successful long-term partnership with the NAM.”

“We find numerous synergies in our event vision and the NAM’s activities,” said Mark Tomlinson, SME executive director. “The NAM will also sponsor our Leadership Summit held during the 2007 show, adding tremendous value and credibility to this key event initiative.”

“We are pleased the highly influential NAM has decided to partner with our societies on this important show,” said AWS executive director Ray Shook. “As the leading forming, fabricating and welding exhibition in North America, the FABTECH International and AWS Welding Show is a must-see event for anyone directly involved with the manufacturing sector. The NAM partnership illustrates the critical relationship between major manufacturers and the forming, fabricating and welding industries, but also strengthens our position and ability to continuously enhance America’s manufacturing foundation.”